Peer-to-Peer Fundraising: How Churches Can Multiply Their Impact
September 2, 2025
byGiveable Research
Introduction: A Fresh Approach to Church Giving
Churches have long relied on offerings collected during services or seasonal campaigns. While these traditions remain valuable, today’s digital and community-driven culture calls for fresh approaches. One powerful strategy gaining ground is peer-to-peer fundraising, where church members take the lead in raising support for missions, outreach, or special projects.
Instead of a single appeal from the pulpit, peer-to-peer fundraising mobilizes the congregation to become ambassadors of generosity. This not only multiplies reach but also deepens personal engagement with the mission.
What is Peer-to-Peer Fundraising in Churches?
Peer-to-peer fundraising is a method where individual church members create their own fundraising pages or initiatives under the church’s larger campaign. They invite friends, family, and networks to contribute, often using social media and digital platforms.
For example:
- A youth group member could host an online challenge to raise funds for a mission trip.
- A family might share their giving story and invite others to help fund a community food pantry.
- Small groups could set goals and track contributions together.
The heart of peer-to-peer giving is personal connection. People are far more likely to give when asked by someone they know and trust.
Why Peer-to-Peer Fundraising Works for Churches
- Expands Reach Beyond the Pews
Instead of limiting generosity to Sunday services, peer-to-peer campaigns extend giving into workplaces, neighborhoods, and online networks. - Empowers Members as Leaders
Fundraising is no longer just the pastor’s responsibility. Members feel ownership and pride when they champion causes close to their hearts. - Strengthens Community Bonds
Working together toward a common goal brings people closer, whether it is funding a new community center or supporting missionaries abroad. - Encourages Creative Engagement
From bake sales and virtual challenges to livestream concerts, peer-to-peer fundraising invites creativity while still serving the church’s mission.
How to Launch Peer-to-Peer Fundraising in Your Church
- Choose a Clear Cause
Select a project with a clear impact, like scholarships, disaster relief, or building renovations. People give when they understand the purpose. - Equip Members with Tools
Provide easy-to-use online platforms like Giveable that allow members to set up personalized fundraising pages and track progress. - Tell Inspiring Stories
Share testimonies of how previous giving made an impact. Storytelling creates motivation and emotional connection. - Celebrate Milestones
Recognize top fundraisers, thank contributors publicly, and celebrate when goals are reached. Gratitude fuels momentum. - Integrate Digital Outreach
Encourage members to share their campaigns on social media and through email. This multiplies exposure well beyond the church walls.
The Role of Giveable in Peer-to-Peer Fundraising
Giveable provides churches with an AI-powered giving platform designed to make fundraising simple, transparent, and impactful. For peer-to-peer campaigns, Giveable offers:
- Personalized fundraising pages for each member or group
- Real-time tracking so churches can monitor progress
- Automated updates to keep donors engaged
- Recurring gift options to transform one-time support into ongoing generosity
With Giveable, churches can bridge tradition and technology, empowering members to lead while maintaining oversight and stewardship.
Real-Life Example
Imagine a church youth group raising funds for a summer mission trip. Instead of just asking for a special offering, each member creates a Giveable page and shares it on Instagram, Facebook, or through text. Parents, friends, and extended family give directly, seeing updates on how the campaign is going.
By the end of the month, not only is the trip fully funded, but new donors outside the church have been introduced to its mission. That is the multiplying power of peer-to-peer fundraising.
A Few More Valuable Insights: The Future of Church Giving is Shared
Peer-to-peer fundraising is more than a trend. It is a way of living out the New Testament vision of the church as a community where every member contributes. By embracing this approach, churches expand their reach, strengthen engagement, and build stronger bonds of generosity.
Get ready to give through Giveable and watch your church’s mission grow beyond the pews.